In order to comply with the new recommendations, energy companies using the fracking method will have to devise a system to detect warning tremors in the rock.

Engineers take a look at the Cuadrilla shale fracking facility on October 7, 2007 in Preston, Lancashire.

Fracking is so controversial as it has been previously linked to the contamination of water supplies, air pollution and a higher risk of earthquakes.

The procedure involves injecting a combination of water, chemicals and sand at very high pressure into shale beds in order to release natural gas reserves.

The report written by professor Peter Styles, independent fracking expert Christopher Green and Brian Baptie, from the British Geological Survey, called for an effective monitoring system during any future operations.

"The similarity of the seismic events [in Blackpool] suggests this is a highly repeatable source," the report also warned.

Check out the news of the day in pictures below:

1

of

16

Pictures Of The Day: 17 April 2012

Abu Qatada smiles as he is re-arrested at his home in Wembley, West London. (Photo credit: London Media)